Critics of FCC Reassigned-Number Database Plan Cite Costs, Market Fixes; Comcast Disagrees
There was more resistance to an FCC reassigned-number database proposal to help combat unwanted robocalls, in replies filed this week in docket 17-59. Initial comments provided greater support for a Further NPRM (see 1806080047 and 1803220028). AT&T endorsed CTIA views…
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backing market solutions to prevent robocalls to reassigned numbers, "rather than creating a new database." If the FCC pursues a database, business caller beneficiaries should shoulder the costs, replied the telco, which urged simple industry reporting duties. Adopting a safe harbor from Telephone Consumer Protection Act liability for callers using a "qualified commercial data aggregator" could "spur competition for number verification services," leading to "solutions that are more cost effective and at least as accurate as any government-run database," said the American Cable Association. It said small voice providers should be exempt from reporting duties. CenturyLink backed resolving TCPA interpretation issues first, suggested a "wireless-only database" test before wider implementation, given frequent reassignment of cellular numbers, and said provider reporting costs must be reimbursed. Neustar said business caller support for a database is "predicated on the naive view" that its use "should involve only a 'nominal' fee or should even be 'free,' even while they advocate for robust features and functions." ITTA cited the "potentially substantial costs" and "uncertain" benefits. The "most practical way to eliminate multiple undesired calls to a reassigned number is for the individual who is receiving the call to communicate that the number being called is incorrect," because "no legitimate business" wants to repeatedly call unintended recipients, said the Coalition of Higher Education Assistance Organizations, which suggested a study of complaints. The Alarm Industry Communications Committee, TracFone and "15 SMS Industry Participants" voiced database concerns. But Comcast said "a large and diverse ... cross-section of business commenters, consumer groups, and governmental bodies agree on the basic policy justifications" for the database and safe harbor proposals, with "substantial common ground" on many implementation details. Opponents "generally overstate the costs" and underestimate benefits of a database, which would be "a significant improvement over existing commercial tools," Comcast said. Also supportive were the Retail Industry Leaders Association and Student Loan Servicing Alliance.